Have you heard scratching sounds coming from your ceiling or loft at night? If you live in Surrey, you may have rats nesting in your roof space. Unfortunately, lofts are a common hiding place for rodents, especially in older or semi-detached homes. In this article, we explain how to know if you have rats in your loft, why it happens, and what to do about it.
Why Are Rats Attracted to Lofts?
Lofts offer the perfect environment for rats to build nests. They are quiet, dark, warm, and close to insulation material that rodents use for bedding. In Surrey, many homes have easy access points such as broken roof tiles, gaps in soffits, or pipe entry holes that allow rats to squeeze through. Once inside, they settle quickly and can remain hidden for weeks or even months before being discovered.
Common Signs You Have Rats in Your Loft
If you suspect you might have rats, here are some of the most common signs to look for:
- Scratching or gnawing noises: Especially at night, rats are most active and can be heard moving around above ceilings or inside walls.
- Droppings: Rat droppings are dark, pellet-shaped, and usually found near entry points or nesting areas.
- Gnawed cables or wood: Rats constantly chew to keep their teeth sharp. Damaged wires and woodwork are a key indicator.
- Insulation disturbance: Rats often burrow into or flatten insulation in the loft to create nests.
- Ammonia-like smell: A strong, musky odour can build up where rats have been living or urinating.
Seeing one of these signs may not confirm an infestation, but noticing two or more strongly suggests rats are present in your loft.
Why This Is a Problem for Surrey Homeowners
Rats can cause serious property damage, particularly in lofts where they chew wires, pipes, and insulation. This can lead to electrical faults, water leaks, or even fire risks. They also spread harmful bacteria, putting your family’s health at risk.
Rats often enter lofts during colder months as they seek warmth and shelter. Surrey’s mix of rural edges and older housing stock makes the area especially vulnerable to this type of infestation.
What to Do If You Think You Have Rats
If you suspect rats in your loft, avoid placing shop-bought poison or traps, as incorrect use can cause further issues. DIY methods often remove only part of the problem, leaving nests or entry points untouched. The best option is to contact a local pest control professional who can fully assess the situation.
At Go2 Pest Control, we offer expert rodent control services in Surrey. We identify all access points, remove rats safely, and provide long-term prevention advice to keep your home rat-free.
Book an Inspection
If you’ve heard noises in your loft or found signs of rats, don’t wait. Contact our team today to schedule an inspection. We provide fast, effective, and discreet rat control services across Surrey.
Click here to contact Go2 Pest Control and speak with a local expert.